Assumptions & Theoretical Models (approaches | The Cognitive Approach) Flashcards
The Cognitive Approach involves the study of
internal mental processes (IMP), e.g.
The Cognitive Approach involves the study of internal mental processes (IMP), e.g.
- memory
- thinking
- attention
- perception
The above processes are internal as psychologists know they are happening but they cannot be
directly observed in the same way that biological processes (e.g. brain structures) can for example
To investigate IMP researchers must
run research and make inferences from their findings
To investigate IMP researchers must run research and make inferences from their findings e.g.
- Peterson & Peterson (1959) inferred that
short-term memory has a duration of around 18 seconds but they could not prove this
To investigate IMP researchers must run research and make inferences from their findings e.g.
- Beck’s cognitive triad infers that
depression is based on dysfunctional thought processes but there is no absolute proof of this
Cognitive psychologists use
theoretical and computer models to understand IMP
Models are used to provide
testable theories about mental processes
Cognitive psychologists use
scientific methodology to investigate IMP (if a theory is testable it means it is scientific)
Theoretical models are
diagrammatic representations of IMP; they work in a similar way to flow charts used in computer programming
One theoretical model is
the Multi-Store Model of Memory (MSM)
The MSM is a
linear model outlining the stages involved in memory
The MSM demonstrates the
flow of information systematically
The MSM demonstrates the flow of information systematically as
input-storage-retrieval
It is possible to test the MSM using
lab experiments e.g. Glanzer & Cunitz (1966)
The MSM is an example of the information-processing approach: information flows
through the cognitive system in stages
The MSM is an example of the information-processing approach: The information is
transformed
The MSM is an example of the information-processing approach: The information is transformed e.g.
sensory information (e.g. sound, touch) enters memory via the sensory register
The MSM is an example of the information-processing approach: Information that has been
paid attention to is transferred to short-term memory
The MSM is an example of the information-processing approach: If information is
rehearsed, it will transfer to long-term memory
The MSM is an example of the information-processing approach: Any information which
is not rehearsed is displaced (forgotten)
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of
a computer (the ‘computer analogy’)
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer (the ‘computer analogy’)
- encoding/coding
- storage
- output
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer: encoding/coding, computers use
alphanumeric codes to complete specific actions
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer: encoding/coding, the mind
interprets environmental stimuli e.g. the sound of a train passing, the texture of a velvet jacket
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer: storage, computers
store data on a hard drive
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer: storage, the mind’s equivalent of a hard drive is
long-term memory
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer: output, a computer’s output includes
text, music, images, video
Information processing in the mind is viewed as being similar to that of a computer: output, the mind’s output includes
speech, behavioural responses, thoughts
Computer models are the basis for
the development of artificial intelligence
Computational modelling has in turn highlighted how
the brain carries out a range of functions e.g. anticipating a reward, planning and problem-solving
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Strengths
- The cognitive approach has
good application
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Strengths
- The cognitive approach has good application e.g, it has contributed significantly to
the development of AI due to its use of theoretical and computer models
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Strengths
- The cognitive approach has good application e.g, this is a strength as it
highlights the usefulness of the theory
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Strengths
- In comparison to some of the other approaches the cognitive approach has
a degree of flexibility
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Strengths
- In comparison to some of the other approaches the cognitive approach has a degree of flexibility, it is an example of
soft determinism compared to the hard determinism of the behaviourist approach
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Strengths
- In comparison to some of the other approaches the cognitive approach has a degree of flexibility, this means that the cognitive approach
does not take a completely rigid view of human behaviour; it acknowledges the existence of free will
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- The study of IMP is an example of
machine reductionism
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- The study of IMP is an example of machine reductionism, it is overly
contrived e.g. attempting to make direct comparisons between a computer and the human mind seems artificial and forced
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- The study of IMP is an example of machine reductionism, human cognition is often
unpredictable, multi-faceted and emotional; a computer is not designed in such a way
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- The study of IMP is an example of machine reductionism, this means that the computer analogy has only
limited application to cognition
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- IMP can only be
inferred
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- IMP can only be inferred, this means that the cognitive approach to explaining behaviour is
overly abstract and detached from real-life
Evaluation of assumptions & theoretical models
Limitations
- IMP can only be inferred, thus it lacks
external validity
